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Nantucket commissioners raise workmanship and process concerns after Civil War monument repair
Summary
The commission flagged misaligned new granite, unclear contractor selection and the disposition of original granite following a May repair to the Civil War monument; staff will follow up with DPW and insurance to determine the status of removed stone and whether further remediation or funding is needed.
The Nantucket Historical Commission reviewed photographs and raised concerns June 20 about the recent repair to the town’s Civil War monument, completed May 18.
Chair Rita Carr told the commission the replacement granite “looks very new” and that the “new curving is not level” compared with the older stone. Members identified visible mismatches in stone color, sharper sawn edges versus older water‑struck finishes, and differences in curbing height that make the circle appear lopsided in photos provided to the commission.
Commissioners questioned the repair process. Carr said she had been notified by e‑mail that a contractor selected by the town’s insurance manager would perform the work; she said the commission and preservation planner were not given a written scope in advance and that no town‑level plan was presented to the commission before work began. The commission asked how the subcontractor had been selected and whether the town had been consulted about material choices and workmanship standards.
Members also asked about the current location and disposition of the historic granite that was removed. Carr said she had been told Bartlett Consolidated did not retain the granite pieces that were struck during the vehicle collision and that the Department of Public Works (DPW) had taken possession of some pieces, but she said it remained unclear what happened to the stones removed during the repair. Commissioners observed that the monument’s original Quincy granite is no longer quarried and is therefore a replaceable but valuable material the town might want to retain for future repairs.
The commission asked preservation planner Holly Backus to follow up with DPW director Drew Patnode and with the town’s insurance manager to determine the insurance claim status, confirm where removed granite currently is stored, and identify options for remediating uneven installation or pursuing additional funding (for example, a Community Preservation Act application) if the commission determines further work is warranted.
Commissioners also discussed whether original posts could have been reused and whether the new posts were necessary. No formal vote to require rework was taken; commissioners said they would pursue further information from town staff and report back at a future meeting.
